Tie-bar clearance gap

[Leeds Sprint]

Hello All

I have just had new shocks, springs and trailing arm bushes fitted. There was some frustrating difficulties that required that 2 of the 4 trailing arm bushes be replaced after just 4 weeks of use. But verything seems to ride and handle very well now. In fact I'm quite pleased with how nicely the car corners.

But I'm a little concerned that there now seems to be a prominent gap between the tie-bar and the differential. From what I can see it it's shape is not distorted and it is bolted on correctly and is quite firmly in place.











Does this gap look too big?
Could any of the suspension changes caused this gap?
Should I be concerned?

Thanks

Chris[/img]

[xvivalve]

You plonker Rodney...its supposed to face forwards, not sit under the diff. Its not really stiffening anything up under the diff...

(Its the anti roll bar by the way, not the tie bar)

Your trailing arms (box sections which go front to back) look a little low at their mounting points though...can't be, only one way to fit those...

[Leeds Sprint]

xvivalve

I'm not sure I understand. Are you saying the a anti-roll bar is fitted wrong?

Thanks

Chris

[Mad Mart]

I'm not sure I understand. Are you saying the a anti-roll bar is fitted wrong?

Yes, it should be this way round (I know this is a Sprint but same applies).

[Leeds Sprint]

Thanks Valve and Mart

It's a shame my garage put it on the wrong way around. I'ts been quite a chore to get my trailing arm bushes sorted, what with all the getting the car to the garage and back several times. I can't really be bothered to have them switich it round the other way.

If its been unbolted recently, will it be easy for me to flip it round the other way myself? Is it just a matter of undoing the bolts and doing them back up again? Is there any special technique or tools required?

Thanks Again

Chris

[xvivalve]

There are 4 x 9/16 nuts and bolts which hold it to the sides of the trailing arms. Easy enough if the axle assembly is off the car or you have a 2/4 post lift. To do it in situ or on the ground it may be awkward to hold the nuts which are inside the channel of the trailing arm.

Personally, and because you can, I'd get the garage to do it, it would only be 10 mins or so for them, possibly a frustrated hour for you...

see how the ends of the trailing arms on Mart's car are concealed by the axle bracket whereas your's are exposed; are the two axle mounts that much different between the cars? I've never made the comparison before...

[Leeds Sprint]

xvivalve

Thanks for the advice. Much appriciated. I think I will take your recomendation and have them sort it out for me.

Chris

[Mad Mart]

see how the ends of the trailing arms on Mart's car are concealed by the axle bracket whereas your's are exposed;

Just had a look the pics of that 1850 I looked at for you Alun & yes they are the same as that.

[Leeds Sprint]

I've had my 1850 back from my garage, who have now fitted the anti-roll bar correctly.

I took it for a ride to make sure that my exhaust didn't rattle against the bar in its correct position. As it was raining I wasn't able to push things hard enough to see if it made any imrovement to to handling. I wonder how different it will feel?

I must get some new tyres though. I really struggle for grip in the rain. The car came with 175 70 13s fitted to Sprint Wheels. They are branded as "Strada", which be must Spanish for "crap" as they have plenty of tread but get rubbish traction.

Anyway...... I'm pleased the anti-roll bar is now fitted correctly. Thanks again for the help guys.

Chris